Page 17 - Work Force March 2020

EBF observes National Children’s Dental Health Month through outreach
Each February, the American Dental Association (ADA) sponsors National Children’s Dental Health Month.
Dedicated professionals, health care providers and educators
come together to reach millions of children nationwide in order to raise awareness about the importance of oral health.
As a part of this outreach, staff from the CSEA
Employee Benefit
Fund (EBF) visited
two Capital Region schools on Feb. 12.
Mary Beth Kramer
has 35 years of
experience as a dental hygienist and currently serves as the EBF’s Dental Benefit Advisor helping members with dental appeals and reviewing x-rays for dental claims.
“Having any opportunity to educate people, especially young children, is such a privilege,” said Kramer. “If we can instill a daily regimen of healthy eating habits and proper oral care, along with bi-annual visits to their dentist, children can grow into adulthood
with healthy teeth and supporting structures.”
Carol Milligan has 39 years of training and experience in dental claims processing and consulting and loves all aspects of dentistry on the administrative side. She currently serves as a Customer Service Representative in the EBF’s Dental Department.
“Children are our future and it’s important they know
right from the start how to properly care for their teeth,” Milligan said.
Kramer and Milligan discussed what
children might see when they visit the dentist, explained how plaque build-up can lead to cavities, demonstrated how to brush properly two times a day, and challenged
the students to choose healthy snacks to keep their teeth and gums healthy.
“Hands-on demonstrations and talking about what to expect at the dentist office helps children develop healthy oral habits starting at a young age,” Milligan said. “Hopefully,
Mary Beth Kramer and Carol Milligan demonstrate proper brushing technique with the help of “Clark the Shark.”
Empire Plan claims deadline approaches for calendar year 2019
Empire Plan enrollees have until April 30, 2020 (120 days after the end of the calendar year) to submit medical expenses incurred during the 2019 plan year.
Network providers/pharmacies will submit claims directly to the appropriate insurance carrier on your behalf when provided with all necessary information.
If you have a non-network claim submission, make sure you complete the requested subscriber information on the appropriate claim form, include the original billing or receipt (if requested), sign and return the claim form.
March 2020
Claim submission for Empire Plan Basic Medical Program, the Home Care Advocacy Program (HCAP) and for non-network physical therapy or chiropractic services:
United HealthCare
P.O. Box 1600
Kingston, N.Y. 12402-1600
Claims submission fax: 845-336-7716 Online: https://nyrmo. optummessenger.com/public/ opensubmit
Claim submission for Empire Plan non-network inpatient or outpatient hospital services:
Empire Blue Cross
NYS Service Center
P.O. Box 1407, Church Street Station New York, NY 10008-1407
Claims submission fax: 888-367-9788 Online: www.empireblue.com/forms
Claim submission for Empire Plan non-network mental health and substance abuse services:
Beacon Health Options, Inc.
P.O. Box 1850
Hicksville, NY 11802
Claims submission fax: 855-378- 8309
Online: www.achievesolutions.net/ empireplan
Claim submission for Empire Plan prescriptions filled at non-participating pharmacies or at participating pharmacies without using your New York Government Employee Benefit Card use:
CVS Caremark
P.O. Box 52136 Phoenix, AZ 85072-2136
Please contact the Empire Plan
at 1-877-7NYSHIP (1-877-769-7447) with additional questions about claim submissions or to obtain claim forms.
this will help prevent tooth decay in their future.”
Kramer and Milligan did a wonderful job presenting this information in an engaging and humorous way. When asked if she had something to brush her teeth with, children giggled as Milligan pulled out a hairbrush.
Kramer pointed out that dentists will wear a lab coat, gloves and
a mask to protect themselves
and others from germs during an examination. Milligan then put on a bathrobe, winter gloves and a silly mask as the children and teachers laughed out loud.
The two used a plush shark complete with a set of gorgeous
pearly whites to demonstrate proper brushing techniques.
“Incorporating humor into
our presentation with ‘Clark the Shark’ leading the way, makes the experience fun for the children, their teachers and us,” Kramer said.
Following the presentations, each student was able to take home a
care package donated by Oral-B. The package included a toothbrush and holder, toothpaste, activity book, stickers and oral hygiene information for parents.
The EBF was proud to provide this outreach as a part of our Cares for the Community program. To see the other ways EBF gives back, find us on Facebook or Instagram.
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